Spectral Analysis of Calcium Chloride

Calcium chloride is a quality salt used for ice control, road stabilization, dust suppression and oilfield services. Other applications include water treatment, industrial processing, tire weighting, agriculture and in refrigeration industries.

Properties

Calcium chloride is an odorless, white inorganic salt. It has deliquescent and hygroscopic properties, and in water it easily separates into calcium and chloride ions. Several processes -- including the refining of natural brine, the neutralization reaction of limestone with hydrochloric acid and the production of ammonia soda -- produce calcium chloride.

Spectrum Analysis

Spectrum analysis is a procedure that uses the visible spectrum of matter to analyze its chemical properties. The study of spectra is how scientists determine the composition of matter. Like fingerprints, the unique set of colors each element emits aids in identifying the element.

Calcium Chloride Spectral Analysis

Calcium chloride solution analysis is best performed using flame-emission spectroscopy. A fine spray disperses the solution into the flame of a burner. Radiation corresponding to the orange-red colors of the visible portion of the spectrum is seen as the energized electrons in the atoms release the energy they absorbed.

References

• Occidental Petroleum Corporation: Calcium Chloride
• UNEP Publications; Calcium Chloride; CERI; 2002
• Arbor Scientific; Spectrum Analysis -- Breaking It All Down; Chris Chiaverina; 2006

Resources

• Amazing Rust: Flame Test-Coloring Fire